method of sharing. In allotting rewards to officers for seizing
vessels which afterwards had been taken into the Revenue Service, it
had formerly been the practice to deduct the whole of the charges out
of the officers' moiety of the appraised value. But from April 14,
1790, "for the encouragement of the seizing officers," the charge was
deducted from the total appraised value, and the seizing officers were
to be paid a moiety of the net produce, if any. It had also been the
custom to allow the commanders of Admiralty cruisers permission to use
seized vessels as tenders. But from May 6, 1790, this practice was
also discontinued by the Board, who ordered that in case any such
vessels were so employed at the different ports, the commanders were
to deliver them up "with their tackle, apparel, and furniture," to the
Collector and Controller of Customs.

We referred some time back to the fact that these Revenue cruisers at
times were mobilised for war, and also that to them were granted
Letters of Marque. In this connection there is to be noted an
interesting warrant, under the King's sign-manual, dated June 11,
1795, which reads:--

"Whereas the Commissioners of our Treasury have represented unto
us that the cutters in the service of our Revenues of Customs have
captured several Ships and Vessels belonging to the enemy, and
have recommended it unto us to issue our warrant to grant the
proceeds of the Prizes that have been or shall be taken by the
cutters in the service of our Customs, granted to the cutters
capturing such prizes respectively, and the expenses of the
proceedings, in regard thereto, among officers and crews of the
vessels in the search of our Customs, who made the said captures,
together with the head-money, in all cases where head-money is or